Genetec Synergis vs Avigilon Alta: which access control fits?
An honest comparison from an installer that installs and fully supports both.
The quick answer
Choose Genetec Synergis if you want access control, video and plate recognition in one platform, usually run on servers at your site, especially for larger or multi-building sites. Choose Avigilon Alta if you want cloud management from a browser or phone, phone credentials as standard, and no server in the building.
Genetec vs Avigilon Alta side by side
| Genetec Synergis | Avigilon Alta | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The access control part of Genetec Security Center, which also runs video (Omnicast) and plate recognition (AutoVu). | Cloud-managed access control from Avigilon (Motorola Solutions), formerly known as Openpath. |
| Where it runs | Usually software on a server at your site, with cloud options from Genetec. | In the cloud: manage doors from a browser or phone app. |
| Video | Unified with Genetec video in one platform. | Pairs closely with Avigilon cameras and video software. |
| Credentials | Fobs, cards and mobile credentials, with a wide choice of readers, including HID. | Phone credentials as standard, plus fobs and cards. |
| Ongoing costs | Licences per door, with an optional yearly plan for upgrades and support. | An ongoing subscription. |
| Best fit | Larger sites and campuses that want doors, video and plates in one system. | Managers and portfolios that want cloud management and phone access. |
Which should you choose?
Choose Genetec if
- You want doors, cameras and plate recognition in one platform
- Your site is large, or has strict IT rules about where data lives
- You already run Genetec video
Choose Avigilon Alta if
- You manage several smaller buildings from one office
- Phone access for residents or staff matters
- You want updates handled for you, with no server to maintain
Best choice by building type
| Building | Our usual recommendation |
|---|---|
| Condo or rental building | Alta for phone access and remote management; Genetec where the building wants one platform with its cameras. |
| Office building | Alta for cloud management of a single office; Genetec for large offices with Genetec video. |
| Industrial or heavy commercial site | Genetec where gates, plates and cameras should share one system. |
| School or campus | Genetec for one platform across many buildings and doors. |
| Multi-site portfolio | Both work. Alta for many smaller sites; Genetec for fewer, larger sites. |
Costs to consider
The price depends on the number of doors, the readers and locks, the credentials, and whether you choose cloud or on-site management. Cloud systems usually have an ongoing subscription, while on-site systems have licences and a server to maintain.
Ask any installer for the full cost of ownership, including licences, subscriptions, maintenance and future expansion. We include all of it in our written quotes, so there are no surprises.
Switching from one to the other
Switching usually means new controllers, and sometimes new readers and credentials. Locks, door hardware and much of the wiring can often stay. We plan the change in stages so doors keep working while it happens.
Still not sure?
We install and fully support both, so we’ll recommend whichever fits your building, after a site walk.
More comparisons: Kantech vs Genetec Synergis and Kantech vs Avigilon Alta.
Stuck with a system nobody will fix?
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Genetec vs Avigilon Alta questions
Is Genetec or Avigilon Alta better?
Neither is better for everyone. Genetec suits larger sites that want doors, video and plates in one platform. Avigilon Alta suits managers who want cloud management and phone access.
Can Genetec be managed remotely?
Yes. Genetec can be reached remotely, and Genetec offers cloud options. We design remote access securely and confirm it during design.
Does Avigilon Alta need the internet?
It’s managed in the cloud, so it needs a reliable connection for management and updates. We design the network and backup power around it and confirm how your doors behave during an outage.
Do you install both?
Yes. We install and fully support both Genetec and Avigilon Alta, so our recommendation is about fit, not what we sell.
Can door alarms go to a monitoring team?
Yes. Forced-door and door-held-open alarms can go to our monitoring partner with the matching camera view.
Do we get admin access?
Yes. We hand over admin access and full documentation on every project, whichever brand you choose.
More answers: Access control questionsGlossary: credentialfail-safe vs fail-secure
Get a recommendation
Tell us about your doors and cameras. We’ll recommend on-site or cloud and book a site visit.
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